WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Students across Manitoba will have an opportunity to learn about the risks and consequences of impaired driving through MADD Canada’s 2026–2027 School Program, thanks to the support of Provincial Sponsor Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). An exclusive screening is being held today at West Kildonan Collegiate in Winnipeg, marking the start of the Manitoba tour of this year’s program.
Road crashes are a leading cause of death among Canadian youth, with alcohol, cannabis and/or other drugs involved in more than half of these crashes. Education and awareness can help young people recognize the risks and make informed choices. MADD Canada’s one-hour School Program presentations for students in Grades 7 through 12 deliver strong messages about the impacts of impaired driving and encourage youth to make safe choices.
The School Program presentations also include real victim stories, including that of Manitoba victim Martin Robak, who was killed in an impaired driving crash in 2018. Martin’s daughter, Mady, will be onsite to share her story.
“Having experienced firsthand the devastating impact of impaired driving, I know how deeply it can affect victims, survivors and families,” said Trisha Dosaj, National President of MADD Canada, who was injured in an impaired driving crash in 2013 with her daughter, Sophia, while her sister, Jayna, and unborn niece, Lauren, were killed in the same crash. “Stories like mine and Martin Robak’s help students understand the devastating and lasting impact impaired driving can have on people and families. MADD Canada is grateful to MPI for supporting the delivery of 109 presentations this year.”
“MPI is proud to sponsor MADD Canada’s School Program and help bring its important messages about sober driving to thousands of Manitoba students,” said Maria Campos, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “Road safety data shows that young Manitoban drivers are 2.4 times more likely to be involved in a severe collision involving impairment than other drivers. At MPI, we understand the impact we can have in changing that statistic by talking to new drivers as early as possible to ensure they understand the risks of driving impaired while empowering them to make safe choices behind the wheel. That’s why partnering with MADD Canada for this program continues to be a priority for us year after year.”
In Trapped, the new film featured in MADD Canada’s 2026–2027 School Program, Gabe, the main character makes a reckless decision that leaves him trapped — both in a vehicle and in the consequences of his actions. The film gives students a starting point to discuss the decisions and circumstances that can lead to impaired driving, and the devastating consequences that can follow.
Schools can choose the format that best meets their needs: traditional assembly, classroom, or virtual presentations. A new interactive quiz gives students an opportunity to test their knowledge and learn more about impaired driving. Following the presentation, each school receives a School Kit which includes an Educators’ Guide along with additional resources to help teachers continue the sober driving conversation throughout the school year.
MADD Canada thanks Martin’s daughter, Mady, for her courage and for sharing her story with students.
MADD Canada is grateful to its National and Provincial Sponsors for supporting the School Program. For more information on our sponsors and to view a clip of MADD Canada’s School Program, check out: maddyouth.ca/school-program/.
About MADD Canada
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims and survivors of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in close to 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. For more information, visit www.madd.ca.
About Manitoba Public Insurance
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is a Crown corporation that delivers auto insurance, registration and licensing services to Manitobans. MPI contributes to safer roads across the province through community outreach programming as well as educational awareness campaigns designed to help all Manitobans make the right decisions behind the wheel.
For more information:
Dawn Regan, MADD Canada Chief Operating Officer, 905-330-7565 or dregan@madd.ca
